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Awwww, yeah. So it appears that the FCC has leaked Research In Motion plans to launch a Pearl complete with WiFi capabilities. This is a GSM model, so for now we’re talking availability on T-Mobile and AT&T. But it’s a significant upgrade for those who use their Pearl mainly for Internet access. It helps doubly on T-Mobile, where we figure it will be compatible with HotSpot @ Home. That is, if it ends up being available through them.

The rest of the features remain largely unchanged, including the trackball navigator, SureType keyboard, integrated GPS, stereo Bluetooth, microSD memory expansion, updated mail software, and the 3.5mm headset jack. Because the Pearl 8120 boasts WiFi, it opens up the possibility of VoIP and VoIP-like services. More specifically, the user manual — which can found at the FCC — makes mention of a UMA client, meaning that it can hot swap (so to speak) between cellular and Internet-fueled phone calls.

So now we have something to look forward to for the new year. That, and RIM’s 9000 series.

[Mobile Magazine]

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